Buffer bearing for a drawer slide

ABSTRACT

A buffer bearing for a drawer slide includes a connecting rod, a first bearing seat, and a second bearing seat. Both ends of the connecting rod are connected to the first and the second bearing seats, respectively. A buffer section and a receiving channel are provided at where the connecting rod is connected to the first bearing seat and where the connecting rod is connected to the second bearing seat for the buffer sections to be compressed within the receiving channels when subject to impact.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a buffer bearing for a drawer slide, and more particularly, to one that is provided with a buffer section and a receiving channel at where the bearing is connected with a separate part to have the buffer section to be compressed in the receiving channel when subjecting to impact for providing better buffer results.

(b) Description of the Prior Art

Drawers attached to a piece of furniture usually will be incorporated with slides for smooth sliding and efforts saving. Impacts are generated whenever the slide extends to a given position or is pushed back to open or close a drawer. Bearing incorporated to a buffer installation in certain slide products was used to reduce impact energy and noise or vibration level in the prior art as taught in Taiwan Patent Publication No. 499905 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,015,199 and 7,213,892 B2.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,199, an under-mount drawer slide is characterized in having a buffer producing from an end of a bearing seat; the buffer indicates a coil type and is connected to the bearing seat for the coiled buffer to sustain impacts on the slide by absorbing impact force for noise and vibration reduction.

However, the coiled buffer in relation to the bearing seat indicates an exposed protrusion and is made an integral part to the bearing seat to make the coil form being vulnerable to get deformed in indefinite direction within a partitioned space inside the slide when subjecting to impact. Once the deformation becomes beyond its critical point and gets damaged, replacement of the buffer is prevented. Furthermore, the application of the prior art is very limited because that the bearing seat for being integrated with the buffer fails to be adapted to other slides of different specifications and functional requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary purpose of the present invention is to provide a buffer bearing for a drawer slide to solve the problems of failing separate replacement and lacking in common use of the bearing seat incorporated with the buffer of the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided buffer bearing for a drawer slide, comprising a connecting rod having a first connecting end and a second connecting end at respective two ends thereof; a first bearing seat having a horizontal upper wall and two vertical side walls, a number of rolling media being provided on the horizontal upper wall and the vertical side walls, the first bearing seat connecting to the first connecting end of the connecting rod; a second bearing seat having a horizontal upper wall and two vertical side walls, a number of rolling media being provided on the horizontal upper wall and the vertical side walls, the second bearing seat connecting to the second connecting end of the connecting rod, and a buffer section connected to the connecting rod.

Preferably, the first bearing seat is formed with a first receiving channel in a width corresponding to that of the first connecting end of the connecting rod, and retainers are provided in the first receiving channel in relation and holding to slots provided on two sides of the first connecting end.

Preferably, the second bearing seat is formed with a second receiving channel in a width corresponding to that of the second connecting end of the connecting rod, and retainers are provided in the second receiving channel in relation and holding to slots provided on two sides of the second connecting end.

Preferably, the buffer section is disposed with at least a corrugated extension.

Preferably, the buffer section is connected to a terminal of the first connecting end of the connecting rod.

Preferably, the buffer section is connected to a terminal of the second connecting end of the connecting rod.

Preferably, the buffer section is connected to the center of the first connecting end of the connecting rod.

Preferably, the buffer section is connected to the center of the second connecting end of the connecting rod.

Preferably, the connecting rod includes at least a first rod and a second rod; two ends respectively from the first rod and the second rod that face each other are disposed with a first connecting end and a third receiving channel; and the third connecting end is connected with another buffer section.

Preferably, the second connecting end of the connecting rod is integrated with the second bearing seat, and the first connecting end of the connecting rod is connected with the buffer section.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a buffer bearing for a drawer slide, comprising a connecting rod having a first connecting end and a second connecting end at respective two ends thereof, a first bearing seat having a horizontal upper wall and two vertical side walls, a number of rolling media being provided on the horizontal upper wall and the vertical side walls, the first bearing seat being formed with a first receiving channel for connection of the first connecting end of the connecting rod; a second bearing seat having a horizontal upper wall and two vertical side walls, a number of rolling media being provided on the horizontal upper wall and the vertical side walls, the second bearing seat being formed with a second receiving channel for connection of the second connecting end of the connecting rod, and at least a buffer section disposed in either the first receiving channel of the first bearing seat or the second receiving channel of the second bearing seat.

Preferably, the first connecting end and the second connecting end of the connecting rod are provided slots on respective sides thereof, and the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel are provided with retainers for engagement of the slots of the first connecting end and the second connecting end.

Preferably, the buffer section is disposed with at least a corrugated extension.

Preferably, the second connecting end of the connecting rod is integrated with the second bearing seat, and the first connecting end of the connecting rod is connected with the first receiving channel of the first bearing seat and engages with the buffer section.

By referring to the prior art, the present invention provides the following improvements of results and advantages:

a. The buffer bearing may be combined with separate parts to allow economic benefits of replacing an individual part, and parts can be interchanged to save dies development and products cost.

b. The buffer section is provided by incorporating to interior space of the receiving channel for the buffer section maintains stable deformation due to compression to put deformation extent under effective control for providing longer service life of the buffer section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an assembly of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing changes of a buffer section and a connecting rod of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted to a slide assembly.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a status of buffer by compression executed by the buffer section of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is schematic view of a construction of a connecting rod breaking into multiple sections of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a construction of having one end of the connecting rod integrated with a bearing seat of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exposed view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a construction of having one end of the connecting rod integrated with a bearing seat of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a connecting rod (1), a first bearing seat (2), a second bearing seat (3), and a buffer section (4).

The connecting rod (1) has respectively disposed to its opposite ends a first connecting end (11) and a second connecting end (12). The first connecting end (11) contains a buffer section (4). The second connecting end (12) also contains a buffer section (4). Each buffer section (4) indicates a corrugated extension. Both the first connecting end (11) and the second connecting end (12) are disposed with slots (13) at both sides thereof, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the buffer section (4) is disposed at a terminal of each of the first connecting end (11) and the second connecting end (12). As illustrated in FIG. 3, a buffer section (4A) of a connecting rod (1A) is disposed at the center of each of a first connecting end (11A) and a second connecting end (12A).

The first bearing seat (2) has a horizontal upper wall (21) and two vertical side walls (22). A number of rolling media (23) are provided on the horizontal upper wall (21) and the vertical side walls (22), respectively. Each of the rolling media (23) is a roller bearing. The first bearing seat (2) is formed with a first receiving channel (24) in a width corresponding to that of the first connecting end (11) of the connecting rod (1) to receive the first connecting end (11). Both side walls in the first receiving channel (24) are disposed with retainers (25) to hold against the corresponding slots (13) provided on the first connecting end (11) to prevent the first connecting end (11) and the buffer section (4) disengaging from the first receiving channel (24).

The second bearing seat (3) has a horizontal upper wall (31) and two vertical side walls (32). A number of rolling media (33) are disposed on the horizontal upper wall (31) and the vertical side walls (32), respectively. Each of the rolling media (33) is a roller bearing. The second bearing seat (3) is formed with a second receiving channel (34) in a width corresponding to that of the first connecting end (12) of the connecting rod (1) to receive the second connecting end (12). Both side walls in the first receiving channel (24) are disposed with retainers (35) to hold against the corresponding slots (13) provided on the second connecting end (12) to prevent the second connecting end (12) and the buffer section (4) disengaging from the second receiving channel (34).

When the preferred embodiment of the present invention is adapted to a slide assembly as illustrated in FIG. 4, both the first bearing seat (1) and the second bearing seat (2) respectively connected to the first connecting end (11) and the second connecting end (12) of the connecting rod (1) saddle onto a lower track (A) before being overlapped with an upper track (B). Upon pulling out or pushing back the upper track (B) to subject both the first bearing seat (2) and the second bearing seat (3) to impact as illustrated in FIG. 5, both the first bearing seat (2) and the second bearing seat (3) slide and press against the connecting rod (1); in turn, the connecting rod (1) has the buffer sections (4) respectively extending from the first connecting end (11) and the second connecting end (12) to hold against the inner walls of the first receiving channel (24) and the second receiving channel (34). The corrugated extensions of the buffer sections (4) of the connecting rod (1) create compression inside the first receiving channel (24) and the second receiving channel (34) to provide buffer results.

Now referring to FIG. 6, a connecting rod (1B) may be connected by sections and includes at least a first rod (14B) and a second rod (15B). A third connecting end (16B) and a third receiving channel (17B) are disposed at where the first rod (15B) and the second rod (15B) are abutted to each other. The third connecting end (16B) contains a buffer section (4B). The connecting rod (1B) is respectively provided at its both outer ends a first connecting end (11B) and a second connecting end (12B). Each of both the first connecting end (11B) and the second connecting end (12B) contains a buffer section (4B).

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a second connecting end (12C) of a connecting rod (1C) is directly connected to and integrated with a second bearing seat (3C). A buffer section (4C) is disposed on a first connecting end (11C) at one end of the connecting rod (1C). A first receiving channel (24C) of a first bearing seat (2C) is connected to the first connecting end (11C) provided with the buffer section (4C).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 8, both ends of a connecting rod (1D) are disposed with a first connecting end (11D) and a second connecting end (12D), respectively. Both sides of each of the first connecting end (11D) and the second connecting end (12D) are provided with slots (13D). A first receiving channel (24D) is disposed on a first bearing seat (2D) to receive the first connecting end (11D). The first receiving channel (24D) contains a buffer section (4D) to hold against a terminal of the first connecting end (11D) of the connecting rod (1D). Both side walls in the first receiving channel (24) are disposed with retainers (25D) to hold against the slots (13D) of the first connecting end (11D) to prevent the first connecting end (11D) disengaging from the first receiving channel (24D). A second receiving channel (34D) is disposed on a second bearing seat (3D) to receive the second connecting end (12D) of the connecting rod (1D). A buffer section (4D) is also disposed in the second receiving channel (34D) to hold against a terminal of the second connecting rod (12D) of the connecting rod (1D). Both side walls in the second receiving channel (34D) are disposed with retainers (35D) to hold against the slots (13D) of the second connecting end (12D) to prevent the second connecting end (12D) disengaging from the second receiving channel (34D).

As illustrated in FIG. 9, a second connecting end (12E) of a connecting rod (1E) is directly connected and integrated with a second bearing seat (3E). A first receiving channel (24E) of a first bearing seat (2E) is disposed with a buffer section (4E). A first connecting end (11E) at one end of the connecting rod (1E) is connected to the first receiving channel (24E) provided with the buffer section (4E). 

1. A buffer bearing for a drawer slide, comprising: a connecting rod having a first connecting end and a second connecting end at respective two ends thereof; a first bearing seat having a horizontal upper wall and two vertical side walls, a number of rolling media being provided on the horizontal upper wall and the vertical side walls, the first bearing seat connecting to the first connecting end of the connecting rod; a second bearing seat having a horizontal upper wall and two vertical side walls, a number of rolling media being provided on the horizontal upper wall and the vertical side walls, the second bearing seat connecting to the second connecting end of the connecting rod, and a buffer section connected to the connecting rod.
 2. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first bearing seat is formed with a first receiving channel in a width corresponding to that of the first connecting end of the connecting rod, and retainers are provided in the first receiving channel in relation and holding to slots provided on two sides of the first connecting end.
 3. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second bearing seat is formed with a second receiving channel in a width corresponding to that of the second connecting end of the connecting rod, and retainers are provided in the second receiving channel in relation and holding to slots provided on two sides of the second connecting end.
 4. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buffer section is disposed with at least a corrugated extension.
 5. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buffer section is connected to a terminal of the first connecting end of the connecting rod.
 6. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buffer section is connected to a terminal of the second connecting end of the connecting rod.
 7. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buffer section is connected to the center of the first connecting end of the connecting rod.
 8. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buffer section is connected to the center of the second connecting end of the connecting rod.
 9. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting rod includes at least a first rod and a second rod; two ends respectively from the first rod and the second rod that face each other are disposed with a first connecting end and a third receiving channel; and the third connecting end is connected with another buffer section.
 10. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second connecting end of the connecting rod is integrated with the second bearing seat, and the first connecting end of the connecting rod is connected with the buffer section.
 11. A buffer bearing for a drawer slide, comprising: a connecting rod having a first connecting end and a second connecting end at respective two ends thereof; a first bearing seat having a horizontal upper wall and two vertical side walls, a number of rolling media being provided on the horizontal upper wall and the vertical side walls, the first bearing seat being formed with a first receiving channel for connection of the first connecting end of the connecting rod; a second bearing seat having a horizontal upper wall and two vertical side walls, a number of rolling media being provided on the horizontal upper wall and the vertical side walls, the second bearing seat being formed with a second receiving channel for connection of the second connecting end of the connecting rod, and at least a buffer section disposed in either the first receiving channel of the first bearing seat or the second receiving channel of the second bearing seat.
 12. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first connecting end and the second connecting end of the connecting rod are provided slots on respective sides thereof, and the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel are provided with retainers for engagement of the slots of the first connecting end and the second connecting end.
 13. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 11, wherein the buffer section is disposed with at least a corrugated extension.
 14. The buffer bearing for a drawer slide as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second connecting end of the connecting rod is integrated with the second bearing seat, and the first connecting end of the connecting rod is connected with the first receiving channel of the first bearing seat and engages with the buffer section. 